The Institute for Leadership Development & Research (Institute) strives to be the preeminent institution for research and development of African -Americans in the corporate world: we pursue understanding and growth in the context of truth and excellence.  The Institute provides executive-level seminars, peer mentoring, coaching, networking with top corporate executives, and leadership development training.  The culmination of our mission is to help high-potential African-American business leaders achieve stellar performance and recognition.  Additionally, the Institute offers cutting-edge research in the interest of more fully understanding the experience of African-American executives and managers.

The Institute for Leadership Development & Research distinguishing features:

• A programmatic focus on the unique leadership needs and strengths of African American leaders;
• Teams of academics, business management consultants, and executives committed to examining and facilitating inclusive business leadership;
• Participant access to The Executive Leadership Council network of senior African American corporate executives, pro diversity CEOs, scholars and business leaders;
• Research that identifies and benchmarks diversity issues affecting leadership;
• Metric systems that can help organizations assess their inclusion gaps and progress;
• Publications which include scholarly research, periodicals, books, and articles;
• Curriculum designed, facilitated, and supported primarily by African-Americans for African-American managers.

To make fundamental positive changes in the landscape for African-American executives, the Institute is preparing managers for critical roles in leadership.  Simultaneously we are building a body of research and analysis that highlights both need and opportunity for African-Americans to succeed in business.  Towards this goal, the Institute is structured around four central components:  History, Programs, Publications, and Research.